'Happy Birthday' rings out as Queen Elizabeth turns 90

PHOTO: AFP

WINDSOR, United Kingdom - Well-wishers sang "Happy Birthday" to a smiling Queen Elizabeth II as she turned 90 on Thursday, celebrating the milestone by lighting a beacon and greeting cheering crowds in the streets.

The sovereign, who has been on the throne since 1952 and steered Britain through the decline of its empire, wore a lime green outfit and matching hat to accept presents, cards and flowers from the crowd in Windsor.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 90th birthday

"Your Majesty, Mummy, I find it very hard to believe you've reached your 90th year and I suddenly realised the other day that I've known you since you were 22 years old," he said.

The Prince of Wales said the beacon represented "the love and affection in which you are held throughout this country and the Commonwealth".

He wished her "the most special and happiest of birthdays on this occasion. And long may you reign over us".

As she met well-wishers in Windsor, she unveiled a new self-guided walking trail through the town, created by the Outdoor Trust.

Historian Hugo Vickers, the organisation's chairman, said: "She was terribly happy with the beautiful weather and the lovely occasion. She said it was a lovely day." In a tweet, the monarch said: "I send my best wishes to those who are celebrating their 90th birthday. On this shared occasion, I send my warm congratulations to you." To mark the royal birthday, there were also military gun salutes around the country and crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace.

She was also presented with a three-tiered orange drizzle cake baked by Nadiya Hussain, winner of television cookery show "The Great British Bake Off".

While still active, the head of state has scaled back her duties in recent years as Charles and his 33-year-old eldest son Prince William take a more prominent role.

The royals remain popular but some question what will happen when the queen - who is in good health, enjoying regular rides on her favourite pony and walking her corgi dogs - reaches the end of her life.

British royal dynasty set for George's christening

In an editorial, The Times newspaper praised her as "a symbol of continuity and the best embodiment we have of a complex national identity".

But it warned the monarchy "will not long retain its popularity" if Charles, who often writes to ministers petitioning about issues close to his heart like the environment, is seen to breach the constitutional convention of neutrality as king.

The royal family is currently in a strong position. Some 68 percent of Britons think the monarchy is good for Britain, according to a YouGov survey last year.

However, it has not always been on as sure a footing under Queen Elizabeth as it seems to be now.

It went through what the monarch described as an "annus horribilis" or horrible year in 1992 as her children's marriages collapsed, and its popularity plunged after Diana died in a Paris car crash in 1997 and the queen was accused of reacting coldly.